Timeless Tyrol - Lakes & Locomotives

Ferry to Calais and overnight stay in France on a bed and breakfast basis.

Travel onwards to our overnight hotel in Germany, stopping en-route in Koblenz. Situated at the confluence of the Mosel and the Rhine Rivers and the Rhineland Valley, this charming town is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There's time to explore before meandering through the pretty Rhineland Valley itself.

We continue to Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of Germany’s most attractive cities. Lying near the foot of the German Alps, look out for its stunning architectural wonders, including the Frauenkirche, Munich’s largest church with its two dome-topped Gothic towers, and the City Hall in the Marienplatz, a lively square in the heart of the city. Enjoy lunch at your leisure here before we make our way to Hotel Stangl in Thaur, where we stay for the next six nights.

Today we discover the natural beauty of the Austrian Tyrol as we tour some of the most picturesque parts of the region, including the stunning Krimml Waterfalls, the highest falls in Austria, and Kitzbühel, an attractive medieval town of pastel-painted houses and cobbled streets. We return to the hotel via Westerndorf and Wörgl to admire even more of Austria's quaint gems.

Today we relax on our panoramic Lake Achensee cruise, set against the imposing backdrop of the Karwendel Mountains, and take in the beautiful scenery from a different perspective. Often referred to as the Fjord of the Alps, this is the largest lake in the Tyrol, stretching for over 9 kilometres in length, and its famously turquoise hue makes for a memorable experience. Afterwards, we continue on to Rattenberg, the smallest town in Austria. Built in the shadow of Rat Mountain, the town has a long history of glass-blowing plus a picturesque well-preserved medieval centre and rows of brightly-painted townhouses. Take the chance to visit the magical world of glass - the famous Kissling Glass factory and show room, where you can watch glass blowers, engravers and painters at work.

Take the chance to explore the local area or relax at the hotel, soaking up the Alpine atmosphere.

We make for the Zillertal Railway, where we board a nostalgic steam train and enjoy a memorable journey taking in the beautiful Zillertal Valley. We travel between the towns of Mayrhofen and Jenbach, with the area characterised by stunning rugged mountains, lush green meadows, quaint villages and majestic alpine peaks.

Please note: the railway reserves the right to substitute the steam locomotive with an alternative diesel-powered or electric locomotive without notice or refund.

On our optional excursion we spend time in the beautiful city of Innsbruck with its magnificent backdrop of snow-capped peaks. There is plenty to see around the city, including the Old Town and the Golden Roof, built for Emperor Maximilian I as a royal box from which to view tournaments in the square below. Next, we head to Swarovski Crystal Worlds, created by Austrian artist André Heller and opened in 1995 to mark the company’s hundredth anniversary. From the magical Chambers of Wonder to the unique gardens, there is plenty to discover, and don’t forget to pick up a souvenir in the shop!

Travel to our overnight hotel in France, with a light evening meal included.

Continue to Calais for our return ferry home.